Clemson defensive tackle Markus Strong could still return before the Tigers’ season ends.
Speaking Monday night on Tiger Hour, head coach Dabo Swinney said Strong, who has been sidelined since the first half of the season opener at LSU, has a chance to return late in the year.
“Although there is a chance he could get back, maybe South Carolina or postseason,” Swinney said.
The comment leaves open a potential return for Clemson’s regular-season finale against the Gamecocks or a postseason appearance, should the Tigers qualify. Swinney did not offer a firm timetable or indicate that Strong has been cleared to play.
Strong’s absence has kept Clemson from getting an extended look at a transfer addition the staff expected to help address its needs inside.
“He was a big get for us,” Swinney said.
While discussing Clemson’s transfer additions, Swinney pointed to Strong and fellow defensive lineman Kourtney Kelly as players whose injuries disrupted those plans. Kelly suffered a torn ACL in the spring and has worked his way back into action, while Strong has remained sidelined since the opener.
“So two big signees were Kourtney Kelly and Markus Strong,” Swinney said. “Markus Strong’s been out since the first half of LSU.”
Swinney said the interior defensive line was Clemson’s biggest area of need and credited the group’s improvement as the season has progressed.
For Strong, the possibility of contributing remains open. Whether that becomes a return against South Carolina or an opportunity beyond the regular season remains uncertain.
